In addition to its cosmopolitan downtown and top-rated beaches, Pensacola is also rich in history. Founded by Don Tristán de Luna y Arellano in 1559, it was the first European settlement in the continental United States; however, it failed to thrive under Spain’s rule. The country abandoned it only to return in 1698. France, which settled New Orleans, began encroaching upon Pensacola, and claimed it in 1722. But the Spanish took it back. And then, France burned it down.

Darrell Watkins and his wife, Jean, were getting the family ready for church Sunday morning when the smoke alarm started going off.